If you heard the conversations that take place in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances Lab on a daily basis, you'd wonder, "Why are these people so excited about a new water bottle or [insert random kitchen product here]? Then, you'd look around and it would all make sense:
Our team of trained cooks, recipe developers and product analysts spends each day rigorously testing kitchen gear — from knives and cookware to air fryers and outdoor grills. We stay on top of trends by connecting with brands and attending multiple trade shows a year. In our Lab, we dive deep into each product, examining its construction, performance and overall value to determine if it’s actually worth recommending to our readers. When our annual Kitchen, Coffee & Tea Awards approach, we get excited to test all the new submissions, ready for the hard work ahead.
For this year's awards, the pros in our Kitchen Appliances Lab teamed up with the experts from our Test Kitchen, Nutrition Lab and Cleaning Lab to review nearly 300 products. Using standardized methods, we tested each product’s performance (or taste where applicable), ease of use and innovation in the Lab. We also sent hundreds of samples to our consumer testers for at-home evaluation and compared our findings to feedback from almost 1,000 consumer surveys.
Here are the top kitchen, coffee and tea products to shop now.
Meet the GH Experts
How We Tested
TABLE OF CONTENTS
KITCHEN GEAR AWARDS:
Reliable Prep Tools | Cutting-Edge Essentials | Next Wave Kitchen Innovations | Entertaining Stars | Master Cleaners
COFFEE AND TEA AWARDS:
Coffee and Espresso Makers | Coffee and Tea Accessories | Coffee | Tea | Creamers
Victorinox described this knife as “unassuming” and a “true kitchen workhorse.” We agree! It is lightweight and has a long, comfortable handle; sharp teeth; and a pointed tip.
LAB RESULTS: Testers used the knife to cut soft fruit, hard vegetables, crusty bread, flaky pastries and even chicken and were pleased with its sharpness. One told us, “I liked everything about it.”
The popular angled measuring cup from Oxo got an upgrade this spring. The plastic is now clearer and made of 50% certified recycled content, and the handle is a little wider with a more rectangular shape that’s more comfortable to hold.
LAB RESULTS: In our tests, the markings on the cup were accurate, and our analyst noted that the cup had a great pour. Home users liked the easy-to-read measurements and how lightweight it was.
Some things just make your life a little simpler, and one is this rechargeable hands-free can opener from Proctor Silex. It is easy to use, produces a smooth cut and has a lid lifter.
LAB RESULTS: One tester called it “much better than a hand-crank can opener,” and another said it was “more convenient.” It was more foolproof than others.
Most scales have one platform that allows you to weigh ingredients, but this one from KitchenAid has an additional small platform so you can more accurately weigh small amounts (up to one pound to the thousandth of an ounce and hundredth of a gram).
LAB RESULTS: When we tested three different scales with three different weights, both platforms proved accurate with less than a 1% margin of error.
This beautiful and extremely sharp knife from Cangshan has a five-and-a-half-inch blade, offers a good value, and it comes with a sheath so you could take it to a picnic or cookout if you wanted to.
LAB RESULTS: We were impressed with how comfortable this knife was to hold. Testers liked that it was lightweight, durable and easy to clean. One said, "It felt effortless to slice through even the most tedious ingredients."
Uniquely, Epicurean’s cutting board is made from a paper composite, giving it a distinctive look and feel. Thin yet sturdy and durable, it will hold up through years of use and dishwashing cycles. This new model has a deep groove for juices.
LAB RESULTS: All testers liked that it could accommodate large ingredients but wasn’t oversize or bulky.
This second-time Kitchen Gear Award winner from Victorinox continues to impress. It’s sharp, surprisingly lightweight, comfortable to hold and quite affordable compared with others on the market.
LAB RESULTS: Consumers used it on all sorts of ingredients, from herbs to large roasts, and commented on its sharpness. One tester said, "It gave me great joy to use an elegant-looking knife, and it glided through everything so easily!"
The Gerber ComplEat Cutting Board Set makes cooking on the go easier. It includes two knives, a bamboo cutting board, a plastic cutting board and a holder for the knives and additional tools. Use it for camping or even in your backyard for a BBQ.
LAB RESULTS: These knives easily cut through a wide variety of ingredients in our tests. Our chief food director liked the combination of knife sizes and noted, “The chef's knife wasn’t huge, which is nice when cooking outside.”
Sourdough starters are notoriously finicky and require a lot of care and attention. The Goldie by Sourhouse can help maintain yours more easily by letting you know if your starter is at the right temperature. The glass cover can accommodate a variety of containers from pint-size to quart-size.
LAB RESULTS: Testers appreciated how easy the Goldie was to use and how the indicator lights informed them if their starter was too warm or too cold. One said, “The included puck made it easy to cool the starter down.”
Nutribullet is almost synonymous with “personal blender,” and its latest packs more power than previous models, with a sleeker design. It comes with three blending cups and two to-go lids.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst and five consumer testers all raved about this blender. It aced Lab tests, leaving behind no flecks of kale in smoothie tests and no ice chunks in frozen-margarita tests.
Sharpening a knife can feel intimidating, even if you’re a pro. Tumbler breaks it down by providing a magnetic holder that securely attaches to your knife while it’s on its heel so you can roll the sharpener alongside the knife to sharpen it and then flip it to hone.
LAB RESULTS: When testing this knife sharpener, our analyst saw results in about 10 passes and said it was “pretty foolproof.” Consumer testers also said it was easy to use.
This repeat winner from Männkitchen can grind peppercorns to create a variety of textures, from powder to coarsely cracked grounds. The top pops off for easy filling, and the cap doubles as a base and grind collector.
LAB RESULTS: Out of 15 we tested overall, this grinder worked fastest. Plus, it still looks and performs like new after more than a year of use.
Hurom makes a wide variety of juicers. This one stands out for being self-feeding and powerful with a sleek design.
LAB RESULTS: We’ve tested more than 50 juicers over the years, and this one impressed our analyst by making smooth and sweet juice. Our tester commented on how dry the pulp was and said the juicer “really got every ounce of liquid out!"
Thermomix continues to lead the cooking food processor category after having been in business for more than 50 years. It chops and kneads dough like your traditional food processor as well as weighs ingredients, heats at specific temperatures between 100ºF and 320ºF and stirs. The brand recently added a potato peeler attachment and a thermometer to its suite of accessories.
LAB RESULTS: The large colored control panel makes it easy to operate, and you can connect to the Cookidoo app to follow recipes step by step.
This toaster in Bella’s new slim line of appliances takes the word “slim’ to another level. It’s 3 1/2 inches wide and still fits two standard pieces of toast or two bagel halves at once.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst reported that this toaster toasted bread evenly and consistently, and two at-home testers said the same thing in their surveys. One replaced their existing toaster with this one.
Farberware’s 2-Piece Bake Set isn’t just a nonstick baking pan and cupcake tin: It also has markings on the pan to help you portion and space cookies as well as on the rim so you can evenly cut brownies or quiche. The cupcake tin has fill lines.
LAB RESULTS: Cookies released from this sheet pan easily in our tests. Both our analyst and consumer testers found the markings helpful. Many commented on the pretty color, the quality of the nonstick surface and how easy they were to clean.
Pur’s 30-Cup Water Filter Dispenser stands out for its large capacity and slim design. It is easy to use and can be washed in the dishwasher (many water filter pitchers aren’t dishwasher-safe). It reduces lead, microplastics and more in water.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said they liked the easy-to-dispense spout and that they didn’t have to lift a heavy pitcher. Another said, “It was quick and easy to use, and the water was tasteless and pure.”
Making your life easier is a theme among this year’s award winners. This water filter from Aquasana is a second-time winner. It connects underneath your sink to deliver filtered water whenever the cold water is turned on. It reduces 78 contaminants in water, including chlorine, lead and microplastics.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said, “It’s great not to have to think about filtering water.”
This saucepan from French cookware manufacturer Cristel is made from high-quality stainless steel, offers impressive heft and sits sturdily on various cooktops. The flared walls allow it to stack with other saucepans in the collection.
LAB RESULTS: All testers liked the design of this pan and commented on its quality. They said food browned well and nothing stuck to it, which we can confirm. They (and we!) also loved that it was dishwasher-safe. One tester called it “a forever pot.”
Bakeware doesn’t have to be heavy to be effective. This lightweight enamelware set from Falcon Enamelware is oven-safe up to 530ºF and dishwasher-safe too. Plus, the five pieces nest.
LAB RESULTS: Every consumer tester commented on how much they liked the weight of these pans. Several users, including our chief food director, noted how evenly they baked and how well they cleaned up.
Stainless steel cookware is often expensive. This 7-piece set from Goldilocks comes at an affordable price point and will last a long time. The pots and pans are sturdy, with wide, flat bottoms that suit many different stovetops.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked how durable this cookware was. One tester who was used to using nonstick said she was able to get the hang of using this after just a few tries.
Emile Henry’s beautiful ceramic braiser weighs half what most comparable Dutch ovens do. Its large surface area can fit six big chicken thighs, and it is oven- and broiler-safe up to 930ºF.
LAB RESULTS: Our in-Lab tester said this braiser made “fantastic, tender meat” that was evenly cooked with flavorful broth; the inside, as well as the splatter lid, was easy to clean.
This set of three nonstick pans from All-Clad will get you through every kind of meal, from breakfast for one to dinner for a family, with confidence. They have wide surface areas and steeply flared edges, and they’re oven-safe up to 500ºF.
LAB RESULTS: In our tests, eggs were easy to flip, steak browned deeply and evenly and the pans cleaned up well and A home tester liked how the pans held up to repeated use.
Cuisinart was one of the first brands to come out with a toaster oven that could also air-fry. This model is super powerful and easy to use and has a few air-frying recipes right on its door.
LAB RESULTS: This air fryer toaster oven has been our top-tested pick for many years. Home testers used it t0 make a wide variety of foods, from crispy tofu to banana bread and plain toast. They liked its size and how quickly it cooked.
You’ll want to enjoy rice and other grains more often once you own this helpful appliance from KitchenAid — it senses the weight of the food when it’s poured into the ceramic pot and dispenses the perfect amount of water for cooking. You won’t have to do much but fluff the grains at the end. And it comes with a steamer basket.
LAB RESULTS: All our testers were impressed with how little effort it took to cook notoriously fussy rice and other grains perfectly.
This trendy 10-piece set from GreenPan is the definition of high quality at a competitive price. Offering good heft and a high-performing ceramic nonstick surface, it comes with two sturdy silicone cooking tools.
LAB RESULTS: The pots and pans heated evenly in our Lab tests, and eggs slid right out of the frying pan.
This electric range from Whirlpool incorporates many high-end features into an affordable option. One feature that stands out: The two front burners can accommodate small or large cookware with the use of the brand’s “dual radiant elements.”
LAB RESULTS: In our Lab tests, cookies and cake baked evenly and turned out golden, and steak broiled nicely.
About the size of a garbage can, the Mill Food Recycler dehydrates and grinds food scraps into feed for chickens or gardens.
LAB RESULTS: After more than six months in our Lab, we have yet to notice off-putting smells.
Miele’s induction cooktops have a sleek, high-end design. This 36-inch one from its KM7000 line is frameless.
LAB RESULTS: Unlike most electric range tops, almost all of this cooktop is usable cooking space.
Even those new to induction will find this LG range easy to use — hello, familiar knobs!
LAB RESULTS: This range boiled water quickly in our tests, and the oven browned food evenly and well.
This SKS double oven is one you dream of. It is sleek and boasts top tech and innovation, such as the ability to take a time-lapse video of your food so you can show off on social media if you wanted to.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst said both ovens were incredibly even when heat distribution, broiling and cake baking were tested.
Riedel makes glasses in a large variety of shapes best suited for different wine varietals. Its latest Grape@Riedel line simplifies things with just three glasses, including this versatile one for cabernet, merlot and cocktails.
LAB RESULTS: The wide bowl, short stem and big base make each of these glasses comfortable to hold and handle. One tester described them as durable and another as elegant. “They completely elevate the drinking experience,” she said.
This Fly by Jing Hot Pot Set allows you to reimagine a night out. It includes a heating pot with adjustable temperatures (so you can bring the liquid to a boil and then lower it to a simmer) as well as serving spoons, chopsticks and a soup base to get you started.
LAB RESULTS: Our analysts had great fun testing this product. They used the products that came with the set and served a crowd, and along with testers, they particularly liked the included utensils that rest on the side of the pot.
These Material knives are thin and dainty with incredibly sharp non-serrated blades. They come in pretty matte colors, tucked into a holder.
LAB RESULTS: These cut steak and chops smoothly in our tests. One tester said they were “perfect for most meals,” and another said, “I’d be proud to show them off at a dinner party.”
Move over, tumblers: This year Stanley launched soft, stylish coolers. This one is lightweight, opens wide, fits 10 cans and comes with a long adjustable carrying strap.
LAB RESULTS: All testers said this cooler kept their food and drinks cold for hours (with the use of ice packs), even at the beach. It makes an excellent lunch box that can accommodate storage containers and has a pocket for utensils.
Baking stones allow you to transform your oven into a pizza oven of sorts where you can cook pizzas and different types of bread right on the hot surface. This one from Fibrament is large at 20 inches wide and 15 inches deep and manageable to work with.
LAB RESULTS: After testing 13 different options, we rated this our “Best Overall Pizza Stone.” It made one of the most evenly cooked pizzas in our tests, and retained heat well.
Most ice cream makers with compressors are wide and bulky; smaller traditional ones require you to freeze the bowl beforehand. This one from Whynter offers the best of both worlds: It has a smaller footprint, and no pre-freezing is needed.
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the straightforward control panel. In our tests, this quickly made thick, creamy and smooth ice cream and sorbet.
Le Creuset Alpine Outdoor Collection Enameled Cast Iron Pizza Pan, 15"
Le Creuset, the beloved Dutch oven brand, officially made its way outdoors with the launch of its Alpine Outdoor Collection, which can be used over fires as hot as 842ºF. The wide surface area of this pizza pan makes it great for more than just pizza.
LAB RESULTS: Our testers liked the handles, which made it easy to maneuver. One liked being able to use it on her stovetop and then in her oven. Another used it like a griddle for steak, and yet another for a fish bake.
Ninja joined the cooler category this year with the FrostVault, which has a drawer on the bottom to keep dry goods cool (most coolers have a dry bin inside).
LAB RESULTS: Testers liked the dry drawer “that really stayed dry!” as one said. Another tester said it kept drinks colder than their fridge did.
Bartesian makes it possible to create a variety of cocktails at home without having to have extra ingredients on hand. Load the machine with four of your favorite liquors, then buy the corresponding pods to make single servings.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said the drinks were “spot-on,” and another said, “The low-cal mixers were very tasty.” Testers also liked that they could adjust the strength of the drinks.
Ninja continues to innovate with products we didn’t know we needed. The Slushi can churn out frosé, frozen margaritas and soda slushies at home — without added ice.
LAB RESULTS: Testers used it to make an array of drinks, from coffee frappés to alcoholic beverages. One said, “The texture and consistency were exactly as described on the box.”
Yeti’s Roadie coolers have won a Kitchen Gear Award in the past. This new size fits in the back seat of most cars, making it especially portable.
LAB RESULTS: This cooler has excellent temperature retention, a strong handle and durable wheels that can handle many types of terrain. All five home testers thought it should win an award.
Masterbuilt makes it easy for anyone to grill with charcoal with its AutoIgnite 545. It has a hopper that fits up to 5 pounds of charcoal, turns on with the touch of a button and allows you to set a specific temp as you would in your oven.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said it was “easier to use and clean than most charcoal grills” and that “even simple burgers were enhanced by the charcoal flavor.’
Most outdoor griddles operate with low, medium and high temperature settings, but Loco Cookers offers you more control by allowing you to pick specific temperatures in increments of 25º.
LAB RESULTS: The high level of temperature customization, combined with the folding side tables and under-grill storage, makes this griddle one of the easier ones on the market to use.
This pizza oven attaches to the top of Breeo’s fire pits. It’s made of heavy-duty materials that allow it to handle and maintain high temps so you can cook quickly and efficiently.
LAB RESULTS: One tester said she was able to get the hang of making pizza after just one try. She also liked that she could use the fire pit (sold separately) outside of mealtimes.
Outdoor smokers can be large and clunky, but this electric one from GE Profile is kitchen-friendly. It uses wood pellets, comes with a temperature probe and connects to an app.
LAB RESULTS: The tender, juicy and flavorful ribs and chicken we made were comparable to meats we’ve smoked on the best outdoor pellet grills.
Using an outdoor griddle continues to be one of our favorite ways to cook outside. Weber’s latest comes with a preseasoned cooking surface.
LAB RESULTS: Our Test Kitchen pro loved that it was ready to cook on as soon as it heated up and praised the huge cooking area — she was able to cook an appetizer, a main dish and a side all at once.
Finish’s newest dish detergent tabs release the right enzyme at the right time in the cleaning cycle.
LAB RESULTS: Our at-home and in-Lab tests confirmed that these tabs tackled burned and dried-on messes with ease, even after 24 hours.
This KitchenAid vacuum can be used to clean up crumbs on your stove, counter or floor. It comes with two extra attachments.
LAB RESULTS: Afterward, every tester said they now kept this vacuum handy at all times.
A great dishwasher can cost more than $1,000, but this one from LG with a stainless look front is under $500!
LAB RESULTS: It got a near-perfect score in our tough dishwashing tests and dried very well too.
Simple and sleek go a long way with this pour-over coffee maker from Miir. The double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel carafe is designed to keep coffee hot.
LAB RESULTS: Our Lab analyst noted that this coffee maker was easy to use. All our consumer testers appreciated the strong, full-bodied cups of coffee it brewed. One especially liked that she could take it on a trip without worrying about the possibility of its breaking.
This drip coffee maker from Braun offers a lot versatility. It boasts seven different brewing sizes and five styles of brew, such as over ice, cold brew and bold.
LAB RESULTS: This coffee machine scored high in our sensory analysis test, in which we brew a full pot of coffee according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then taste it. One said it had “a smooth finish and no burned taste.” It also makes a great, full-bodied single-serve cup.
You can whip up all your favorite coffee shop drinks — from a large carafe of coffee to a specialty latte — with this 4-in-1 coffee maker from Cuisinart.
LAB RESULTS: This second-time Coffee and Tea Award winner was praised by at-home testers for how easy it was to use and for the variety of coffee drinks that could be made with it. One said, “I love that it offers a place for coffee pods, espresso pods and drip coffee. The frother is the icing on the cake!”
A new single-serve pod system has entered the chat — Bruvi can brew coffee, espresso and tea with high-quality ingredients sourced from specialty coffee and tea companies. Its touchscreen interface offers customization of the brew‘s temperature, strength, amount and more.
LAB RESULTS: Bruvi’s app was intriguing to testers. “The app gives me details about each cup of coffee made so I can decide which settings I like best,” said one tester.
Design-forward brand Fellow has just released its first automatic coffee maker. It’s a drip machine that can also make a single cup and offers highly customizable features, including automating the brew method based on the roast you input.
LAB RESULTS: This coffee maker made an impressively good (and hot) pot of coffee and had easy-to-use controls.
This automatic espresso and coffee maker from De’Longhi has a built-in coffee grinder and an automatic milk frothing jug. It can make latte macchiatos, cappuccinos, espresso and coffee as well as dispense hot water with the touch of a button.
LAB RESULTS: Our lead espresso machine tester loved the thick froth this machine made for cappuccinos. One tester said, “Never having used an espresso machine prior to this, I feel super comfortable using this one because it’s so easy to use and to clean.”
KitchenAid KF8 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
This new, fully automatic espresso machine from KitchenAid allows you to pick from 12 espresso recipes and adjust them based on your desired temperature, body (light, medium or dark), order of coffee or milk, type of milk, coffee volume and milk volume. It can dispense frothed milk, warm milk and hot water as well.
LAB RESULTS: In our tests, the color touchscreen was highly intuitive and responsive, and espresso shots were well balanced. The frother was easy to use and made good foam.
Automatic espresso makers that grind beans and brew a number of different drinks seem to be the hottest thing on the market. This smart premium version from Bosch offers more than 35 options from all over the world.
LAB RESULTS: Our coffee and espresso maker pro was impressed with the large color screen, the milk frother and the flavor of the drinks it made.
A milk frother is handy for frothing up milk for coffee shop–style drinks. This one from Ozeri comes with two frothing wands, an egg beater and a cocktail mixer, which increases its versatility.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst found that this powerful frother produced impressive volume and stability when frothing warm cow’s milk, perfect for cappuccinos.
It’s hard not to fall for Yeti’s stackable 8-oz cups, which fit under most espresso machines. Each keeps drinks hot or cold while the outside stays at room temperature.
LAB RESULTS: These cups are favorites in our Lab. One consumer tester took hers to a coffee shop and the barista called it “the cutest cup anyone ever brought in.”
This second-time Coffee and Tea Award winner from DavidsTea is still one of our Lab’s favorite ways to brew and drink tea made from loose leaves. The glass is double-walled and includes a large tea infuser. The lid also serves as a holder for the infuser once it’s done steeping.
LAB RESULTS: Our at-home tea testers liked how this cup kept tea hot as well as its comfortable oversize handle and minimalist design.
Hamilton Beach’s newest electric kettle is made with iridescent glass, and a blue ring around the base glows when it is on. It has a 7-liter capacity (about seven cups) and offers boil-dry protection.
LAB RESULTS: It boiled water quickly (and scored perfect marks in our Lab tests) when filled to both the minimum and the maximum fill lines.
This milk frother from Dreo offers six different milk settings and five foam variations. The frothing pitcher can be removed from the base, and the spout is designed for making latte art.
LAB RESULTS: All testers agreed on how easy this milk frother was to use. “I highly recommend this to those wanting to level up their home-barista game,” said one.
This 48-oz bottle from Stok blends the brand’s dark roast cold brew with milk and sugar to create a creamy cold brew beverage reminiscent of an iced cappuccino you might get at your favorite coffee shop.
LAB RESULTS: All testers agreed with the claim on the bottle that this beverage "wasn't too sweet” and found it deliciously creamy with some notes of toffee.
Lavazza sells a variety of ground coffees, but this medium roast, at an affordable price, is a crowd-pleaser. It blends premium Arabica and earthy Robusta coffee beans for a rich and full-bodied drip coffee brew.
LAB RESULTS: Many testers commented on the robust but smooth flavor of this roast. One consumer tester stated, “It wasn’t bitter at the start or at the finish.”
This ground coffee is Eight O’Clock Coffee’s original roast recipe — which says a lot given that the company thats been around for over 100 years. This medium roast is made up of South American and East African coffee beans.
LAB RESULTS: One longtime drinker of the coffee said, “I have used it for years and the brand is consistently good.” A newbie to the brand said, “It tastes like a specialty shop coffee.”
Good coffee and mental health? This berry-forward medium roast from Happy uses Arabica beans that are grown and harvested in Brazil and Columbia. Plus, the brand partnered with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (and gave it equity) to spread mental health awareness and help families in need.
LAB RESULTS: Many testers tasted notes of berry, citrus and fruit. One of our expert coffee tasters described the coffee as “very fruity, acidic and bright” and added, “I can see why it’s called ‘Happy’!”
Is it overwhelming to wander the coffee aisle trying to determine which one is right for you? Buying a coffee subscription from Trade will eliminate the guesswork, as it offers a custom quiz to help you find your new favorite beans. The company has a large marketplace with over 450 different roasts.
LAB RESULTS: Our team still relies on Trade for stellar coffee recommendations after using the service for two years. One of our analysts even put it on her wedding registry after testing it out for last year’s awards.
Free Rein Coffee Co American Dirt Dark Roast Whole Beans
This dark roast from Free Rein Coffee Co is made from an 100% Arabica blend and has a taste similar to that of French roast. It also is apparently the favorite brew of Yellowstone cowboy Cole Hauser.
LAB RESULTS: Many testers used the words “robust,” “rich,” “bold” and “strong” to describe this coffee. One was pleased that they didn’t notice and "burned flavor” like that of some dark roasts, calling it “a very enjoyable cup of coffee to the last drop.”
The flavor of this medium blend from Dualit competes with that of the coffee from some of the best single-serve espresso pods we’ve tasted. It is Fair Trade Certified and roasted and produced in England.
LAB RESULTS: Our analysts were impressed with the crema from these pods. The beverage was silky and easy to drink and had an inviting aroma.
Snake River Roasting Co. White Spider Medium Espresso
These espresso beans are named after the snow-packed White Spider trail in Jackson Hole, WY, the area where the Snake River Roasting Co. roasts them — the company’s technique benefits from the high altitude.
LAB RESULTS: Our lead coffee tester described these beans as fresh, bright and nutty. They can be brewed as espresso or drip coffee.
The mushroom and adaptogenic blend in this medium roast coffee from Laird Superfood is aimed at helping you battle stress and promoting focus throughout your day.
LAB RESULTS: Our team of analysts have sipped quite a few mushroom coffees, and many have tasted too much like mushrooms and not enough like coffee, but we found this one smooth with nice roasty notes.
If you are short on storage space in your fridge or simply love a good coffee concentrate, we recommend checking out this pint-size bottle from Jot. Each 6.8-oz bottle, with the addition of hot or cold water, can make up to 14 cups of coffee.
LAB RESULTS: During our Lab taste test, our analysts found the cold brew made from this concentrate smooth with some berry notes. One tester described it as “super efficient” and said it didn’t “compromise on taste.”
Do you have a coffee nerd in your life? Crema is a subscription for those looking for unique small-batch coffee roasts from more than 65 small roasters around the country. It makes a great gift!
LAB RESULTS: “I am obsessed with the coffee I was recommended from the quiz you can fill out before buying,“ said one tester. Another said, “It seems like a way to try something more experimental.”
These pods from Illy are designed to be used in a Keurig, but they offer the same delicious roast as in Illy Classico Ground Drip Coffee, which won a Coffee and Tea Award last year.
LAB RESULTS: We‘ve tasted many K-Cups in our Lab, and Illy’s Classico pods stood out for their balanced, smooth and fruity notes. All consumer testers agreed about how delicious and flavorful these pods were.
If you enjoy your cold brew with milk, La Colombe offers a wide selection of premade draft lattes made with cold brew, milk and nitrous oxide that give them a silky-smooth and foamy texture right out of the can.
LAB RESULTS: We found this vanilla draft latte sweet and milky with a nice hint of vanilla. Consumer testers described it as refreshing, smooth, energizing and great-tasting.
A good decaf cold brew is hard to find compared with its caffeinated counterpart, but we’ve discovered the answer. For this one, Explorer removes 99.9% of the caffeine from its organic coffee brew, and each bottle makes 20 cups’ worth.
LAB RESULTS: Testers described this cold brew as smooth, fragrant and robust. They also liked how the coffee-to-water ratio could be changed depending on taste preference.
This brown sugar oat latte from Elmhurst blends cold brew, oat milk and brown sugar for a creamy nondairy sweet treat. You can steam it if you prefer a hot latte or serve it over ice.
LAB RESULTS: We loved the taste of this latte in our Lab taste test — it tasted like cinnamon oatmeal cookies and wasn’t too sweet. Consumer testers described it as flavorful, rich and smooth.
Traditionally chai lattes are made with dairy, but this bottled beverage from Califia Farms uses almond milk instead. It can be served out of the bottle or heated as a cozy latte.
LAB RESULTS: Our team of analysts enjoyed this beverage and reached for it over and over again after our taste test. “[It’s] not too sweet and reminds me of Christmas,” said one tester.
Looking for an alternative to acoffee-based latte? This concentrate from Stash can be used to make a London Fog (a.k.a. an Earl Grey latte). It can be served hot or over ice and has notes of bergamot and vanilla with a little almond.
LAB RESULTS: Many testers enjoyed this tea-based latte. “We thought it looked and tasted like a fancy drink from a coffee or tea shop,” said one tester.
Traditional Medicinals Stress Ease Immune Tea combines herbs and adaptogens like reishi and astragalus root for an infusion designed to promote relaxation and good immunity.
LAB RESULTS: Our team of analysts thought this would be a delicious cup of tea to drink when they had a cold and said it tasted sweet, herbal and like licorice.
This naturally caffeine-free rooibos cinnamon spice tea from The Tea Spot is sweet with no added sugar. It's packaged in biodegradable and compostable tea sachets that are made of a sugarcane-based material.
LAB RESULTS: Testers enjoyed the flavor of this cinnamon-forward tea. One said, “This tea has quickly become a favorite in my evening routine. It’s a comforting and flavorful way to wind down from the day.”
Guayaki yerba mate is a shade-grown and hand-harvested tea leaf from South America that is known to gently boost energy and focus because of its caffeine, theobromine and polyphenol. This one-pound bag of naturally caffeinated loose-leaf tea contains 151 servings.
LAB RESULTS: One analyst said, “It’s good for a yerba mate tea, not bitter,” Another noted, “It’s just tannic enough with herbaceous, green and roasty flavors.”
Dream Tea NYC allows customers to create their own tea blends. They can choose one of three bases and add up to three flavors; the ingredients are organic.
LAB RESULTS: Our analyst was pleased with the tea blend she created for our Lab. She described the green tea base with rose, thyme and bergamot as “clean-tasting, with lots of flavor.” Our other team members agreed.
Matcha lovers will appreciate this Vital Proteins flavor, made with collagen peptides from bovine, matcha powder and coconut water powder. Each serving contains 50 mg of caffeine and 9 g of protein.
LAB RESULTS: Our Lab testers were impressed with the mild matcha taste and noted that it could be enjoyed cold or hot.
This 12-oz can of peach tea from Pretty Tasty is made with bovine-sourced collagen protein peptides and contains 10 g of protein. It has a sweet, delicate flavor.
LAB RESULTS: One tester described this tea as “smooth, refreshing and thirst-quenching with an aromatic taste.” Another said, “The fact that it's also a collagen tea is a huge benefit.”
Anyone who loves a lavender latte is in luck: The flower has made its way into creamers. Califia Farms has done a delightful job incorporating it in a subtle and enjoyably sweet way.
LAB RESULTS: Our registered dietitian buys this creamer to put in her matcha. Several testers complimented its smooth, creamy texture that frothed well — uncommon for almond milk, which is typically thin.
Cream, milk and cane sugar are blended to create this sweet coffee creamer from Chobani. This second-time Coffee and Tea Award winner can be added to hot or cold brews, adding a sweet and creamy consistency to each beverage.
LAB RESULTS: A majority of testers said they would purchase this creamer again. One noted, “It enriched the flavor of my coffee without covering it up or overpowering it.”
The container for this cold foam creamer from International Delight resembles a whipped cream canister. Simply shake it and dispense the creamer on top of your favorite iced latte or cold brew beverage.
LAB RESULTS: Our team of testers found that this product had a nice, subtle flavor with a thick microfoam texture and a buttery finish.
Made from pea protein, this dairy-, nut- and gluten-free alternative from Ripple has a rich consistency that resembles that of traditional full-fat dairy half-and-half.
LAB RESULTS: All testers agreed that this was an excellent nondairy substitute for half-and-half for coffee and more. “While it doesn’t fully replicate the taste of real half-and-half, it is the best substitute I’ve tasted,” said one.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
